October 17 is the 248th anniversary of the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga. British and American forces fought at Saratoga beginning on September 19, 1777. On October 7th, British forces under the command of General John Burgoyne unsuccessfully attacked American troops in earthworks at Bemis Heights. Suffering heavy casualities and without the ability to retreat, British forces surrendered to the American army under General John Gates on October 17, 1777.
This victory was a decisive one for the Americans. It prevented British forces from gaining control of the Hudson River Valley. Additionally, the victory convinced King Louis XVI to form an American-French alliance, which helped the Americans to victory in 1783. Benedict Arnold, an American hero during the Battle of Saratoga, became a traitor and switched sides in 1780.
In July 2026, Yonkers will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. In anticipation of this, YPL created a webpage that lists our resources about the American Revolution.
Stay tuned for library programs about the American Revolution!
Michael Walsh is an Adult Services Librarian at the Will Library. He is currently reading Never Flinch by Stephen King.